Discussions By Condition: Immune conditions

Please help me! Selective IGA Deficiency

Hi my name is Kim, I am 41 years old and have spent a lot of my life fighting with colds, sinus infections, flu, headaches and just being “sickly”. Taking 1 course of antibiotics is never enough for me, sometimes as many as 3 before the sinus infection is gone. In November 09 I started with a cold that quickly turned to bronchitis, I was treated with several antibiotics from November 09 until February 10, when I was hospitalized with severe breathing issues, ICU for 3 days and a regular room for an additional 4 days. Released with the diagnosis of asthma although I have never had any signs of asthma prior. I was ok with the exception of a few sinus infections and headaches until December 10 when I got a cold a few days before Christmas, treated it at home like a cold and used the nebulizer and inhaler I had been instructed to use for my newly diagnosed asthma, to no avail. I was admitted back into the hospital just a few days after Christmas and spent 5 days in a regular room, released again with the diagnosis of asthma. All of this time in the hospital I received IV antibiotics, steriods, cough medicines and several other medications. At one point 1 of the Drs. made a statement “they don’t keep anyone for 5-7 days for asthma” I felt she was doubting me, now I look back and see she was questioning why I was so sick! This 3rd time I started with a cold and was again admitted to the hospital, but a different one this time, because I know there is more to this than just asthma!! I was in PCU for 2 days and a regular room for 5, discharged again with the bronchial pneumonia/asthma diagnosis. When I saw the pulminologist for my follow up visit I asked if there is any way it could be more than just asthma and could they please check my immune system. They were hesitant, but agreed, my husband has said for years there is something wrong with my immune system, and I have been told for many years I need a bubble, thinking maybe I do. My initial test results have come back, my IGA, IGG2, and IGG4(almost none) are very low, indicating an immune deficiency, now we need to find which it may be and what is causing it. I have been given the pneaumonia vaccine and had very slight response. My Drs in the rural area I live in are perplexed and I have an appointment in Philadelphia on Aug 19..praying for some real answers! So, now here I sit and wait...afraid to see people, leave my house or return to my work in the dental field. Every time my son sneezes I panic, seems when he is sick I am a day or two behind and we both take forever to recover!! I have so many questions to ask and not sure where to turn to next. If you or someone you know has had similar issues, please contact me, I would love to pick the brain! Oh and I have gained 35 lbs in a year, and no baby thanks to the constant use of steriods!! The not knowing is the hardest part!! Anyone have a Dr in PA they would strongly rec I see?? I will travel!!! Thanks for reading! :)